The shoe comes in a Coastal Blue (navy) colorway constructed out of a tumbled leather upper. Adding to the classic/vintage vibes of the shoe are the striped (navy/white) ankle straps, the stitched white Nike Swoosh branding on the side panels and the white midsole paired up with the beloved gum bottom outsole. Arriving now at select retailers pick up your very own pair for $100.

Whos Ready For The Nike KD 8 Aunt Pearl

By SoleInsider

Don’t look now, but the release of the Nike KD 8 Aunt Pearl is less than 24 hours away. Although it was barely unveiled at the beginning of this month, this Nike KD 8 that pays homage to KD’s late aunt is just about ready to be unleashed.

Just like all the past Aunt Pearl colorways on previous KD models, the shoe comes with an upper covered entirely in a floral pattern. The floral print is done up in a pink base accented by the purple roses and pearls placed all over the shoe. Also on the upper is the black Nike Swoosh on the side panels, pink ribbon branding on the heel and the tonal laces and lining. A white midsole and pink outsole complete the major traits of the shoe. Set to drop tomorrow for $200, are you looking forward to this release?

For any last minute changes, updates or information, be sure to visit our Nike KD 8 Aunt Pearl hub page to stay up to date.

Sneakers In 4K: Air Jordan 12 The Master

The Nike SB Zoom GTS Tries Gym Red On For Size

By SoleInsider

With a warmer season upon us, many of us tend to bring out the bolder sneaker offerings that were chillin’ inside our closet for most of the winter season. If you’d like to stock up on some more bolder looking sneakers, take a look at the Nike SB Zoom GTS coming in a Gym Red colorway.

The SB model is made out of a combination of suede and canvas upper in which both materials are covered in a Gym Red colorway. Attempting to offset the tonal look of the upper are the hits of black placed on the branding as well as on the piping placed on the all-white sole unit. Said to now be arriving at select retailers, pick up your very own pair for the retail price of $80.

Sneakers In 4K: Air Jordan 12 The Master

The Ladies Can Now Pick Up A Pair Of The Nike Air Max 1 Jade Swoosh

By SoleInsider

A new Air Max 1 colorway has just dropped and this one in particular is made especially for the women. Dubbed the Nike Air Max 1 Jade Swoosh, the shoe is a fairly subtle option with just a bit of pop to make it stand out from the pack.

Constructed out of mesh suede and leather upper, the shoe comes in a several different shades of grey to take care of the majority of the base. Adding a bold aspect to the shoe are the Racer Blue and Jade hits placed on the tongue tag and branding, heel branding and the Nike Swoosh on the side panels. An off-white midsole and black outsole complete the look of the shoe. Available at select retailers, pick up your very own pair at select retailers for $100.

Nike Air Max 1 Jade Swoosh

By SoleInsider

It’s still February, but we’re calling it now: this will be one of the best new colorways for the Nike Air Max 1 all year. But there’s some bad news for many of us, because this clean combination of grey shades with Racer Blue and Jade accents is just for the ladies. This latest top-par look for the women’s Air Max 1 built in mesh, leather, and suede is arriving now at select Nike Sportswear retailers worldwide.

10 Ways The Sneaker Game Was Different Before The Nike Air Foamposite One Galaxy

By SoleInsider

Editor’s Note: This coming week will mark the 4th anniversary of the release of the Nike Air Foamposite One Galaxy, aka the moment when s**t got too real. Here’s a look back at the things the way they used to be. Originally published on February 13, 2014, updated for today.

NBA All-Star Weekend is one of the most important events in the basketball calendar, but sneakerheads also know it as the weekend when a plethora of big releases drop to ruin our wallets. Whether it is the debut of a new Air Jordan or the release of that particular year?s All-Star Game kicks, sneaker stores are always packed with people looking for fresh heat to rock and/or stock. While there are a few isolated incidents that shine a bad light on our little hobby, the truth is that most releases during this time of the year tend to come and go drama-free.

But in 2012, things got taken to a whole new level when Nike Sportswear dropped the ?Galaxy? colorway of the Nike Air Foamposite One. With a unique graphic print on the upper that was unlike anything that had ever been seen before, it was what Gentrey Humphrey was talking about when he said that Nike wanted to ?dimensionalize? the Foamposite line. With excitement for the Foamposites peaking at the time thanks to a variety of factors, this was supposed to be a seminal moment in sneaker culture. And it was, but for all the wrong reasons?

Thanks to several violent episodes surrounding stores that were stocking the Galaxy Foamposites, it became a tipping point that in many ways led us to where we are today, camping out on our computers instead of at a doorstep of a Foot Locker or Nike Store. We now have to rely on the quickness of our thumbs to tap on a link in order to secure quickstrike pairs while people with even a modicum of computer knowledge are able to develop bots and exploit sneakerheads desperate to buy a pair of hot kicks that will get them 100 likes on Instagram.

Old sneakerheads like to lament about days gone by to anybody that will listen to them, but they don’t even have to go that far back; the reality is that the sneaker world today is dramatically different from as recently as two years ago. So with the second fourth anniversary of the release of the Galaxy Foamposites coming up, here is a look back at the good old days of 2012 with 10 Ways The Sneaker Game Was Different Before The Nike Air Foamposite One Galaxy.

Image: Nike

Flyknit Was New And Confusing

Image: Nike

Prior to the launch of the ?Galxay? Foamposite, Nike was also busy announcing their latest and greatest innovation in Flyknit. The one-piece upper had many people giving it derisive nicknames and claiming that no way would it last under any harsh conditions, not the least of which was a basketball court.

But now we clamor for Flyknit for their supreme comfort and amazing fit once broken in. And then there?s the case of a certain Black Mamba that believed enough in Flyknit that it has been the signature feature of his line since the Kobe 9.

We also didn’t know it, but adidas was also cooking up something to counter Flyknit. We could argue for days if Flyknit or Primeknit is better, but really, we’re all winners for having this technology in our lives.

“Reebok Back” Meant Nothing

Image: Reebok

In 2011, Rick Ross signed with Reebok. Fantastic, right? While there was value to having somebody as well-known as Ross as the spokesman for the company, what really gave Reebok Classics life was the smart decision to retro their most iconic silhouettes and treat them with the proper respect that they deserve. Sneakerheads recognized that and bought the OG colorways of the Reebok Question and Reebok Shaq Attaq rather quickly. Ross ? who has had an on and off relationship with the brand since ? was merely a small part of the equation.

Kanye West And Nike Were Still Cool

The best part? People were still itching for the Pure Platinum and Solar Reds at this time. Nobody was ready for the insanity that the Red October would cause. That alone makes me want to live in a time machine and live back in those days of pre-Red Everything.

Kobe Bryant Was Healthy

The KOBESYSTEM was in full force in 2012 and no matter how good or bad the Lakers were in the standings had little or no effect on Bryant?s standing in the basketball zeitgeist, not to mention sneakerheads that scooped up the more limited colorways of the Nike Kobe 7 System. Nobody could have predicted the next few years that would serve as Bryant?s personal hell thanks to injuries and Dwight Howard, but now we’re here headed towards the final stretch of Kobe’s amazing career. Again, time machine.

Fake Nicknames Jokes Were Funny

Oh wait, no, they weren?t. By February 2012, anybody that used a joke as asinine as ?Black and Red Space Jams? was just showing how creatively bankrupt they are. And no, it is still too early to use that joke ironically. But feel free to use it by 2094. I should be too old and senile to care by then.

LeBron James “Championship Packs” Sounded Real Pretentious

Image: Nike

Actually, it still does sound kind of pretentious, especially when the second pack leaked when James had yet to win a second title. All we could talk about in regards to James back in February 2012 was his inability to lead a team to one ring, let alone two or three or four or five. Imagine the vitriol he would get from sneakerheads if the first Nike LeBron Championship Pack had leaked prior to James winning his first title in June of 2012.

Derrick Rose Was Still adidas’ Ace

Image: adidas

Before Boost, before Kanye, there was D-Rose. Even though Foamposite Madness was sweeping the sneaker world, one of the big events that took place during the 2012 All-Star Weekend was Derrick Rose signing a massive, $185 million, 13-year contract with adidas to be the face of the brand. Fresh off an MVP award the season prior, being able to live up to that deal was going to be a tough task for anybody that wasn?t named Derrick Rose. The guard was humbled and genuinely touched that people believed in him so much that they were willing to pay that much money to support him as he made his run to bring the NBA Championship back to Chicago.

Yeah, just writing that made me sad. Let?s move along.

A Pre-Boost adidas

It’s really hard to understate just how much Boost has changed adidas. The cushioning mixed with amazing designs catapulted the three stripes from an afterthought to the topic of discussion among sneakerheads. Yes, Kanye West had a lot to do with that, but let’s not underestimate how much that was also because Yeezy Boosts are pretty damn comfy to walk in because of Boost. None of this was going on in 2012 and The U was certainly not an adidas school at the time, but they picked the right moment to make the jump that’s for sure.

Before: Shoe > Theme | Now: Theme > Shoe

Image: Foot Locker

A shoe isn?t even a shoe worth having if it doesn?t have a nickname or a special colorway to justify their existence. That sounds silly when you read it, right? But in the years since the release of the ?Galaxy?, companies have gone out of their way to create stories and themes that don?t even make sense and have only hurt the reputation of a classic all for the sake of placating an audience that demands every pair in their collection have a fancy name to go along with it.

The Nike SB GTS Paints Its Canvas With Gym Red

By SoleInsider

The Nike GTS skates on in its new life in the Nike SB line with this latest look in Gym Red. The combination canvas and suede-reinforced upper goes all red, with black accents up top and a solid white sole for the always-classic sneaker color combination on the “Great Tennis Shoe” updated with Zoom Air cushioning. The casual tennis model turned performance skate shoe is arriving now at select Nike SB providers like Premier.

Sneaker Satire: The Best And Worst Nike Kyrie 2 Kyrie-Oke Puns

By SoleInsider

I love the Nike Kyrie 2 Kyrie-Oke. Ok, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. I think the shoe is perfectly fine and is a great entry into the still-growing Kyrie 2 line, but I think the nickname is an amazing play on words that really hasn’t gotten enough love in the sneaker community. Maybe it’s because my love of slightly corny wordplay is right up my alley while the 8,592,483rd Crying MJ meme is breaking my will to live (just kidding, they’re both great in their own way), but I thought this commercial that features Kyrie’s “hit” R&B album was priceless.

So Kyrie then asked his Twitter followers to come up with their own names using the Kyrie pun. The results were beautiful and beautifully awful like the internet is wont to do. Sometimes this job just writes itself. Here are some of our favorites as we check out the Best and Worst Kyrie-Oke Puns.

The Nike Kobe 11 8:24 Changes Its Name To Eulogy (Video)

By SoleInsider

Sometimes the sneakerheads get it right. When images of this Laker-themed Nike Kobe 11 first leaked, the 8:24 on the heel was more than a fine name as it was obviously meant to be a tribute to Kobe Bryant’s amazing career and the two number he wore in the NBA. Then it’s revealed that Nike’s official nickname for this shoe is actually “Eulogy”, which is meant to honor who has uh, passed on to another dimension (that’s a Dragon Ball Z reference). Yeah, a little too morbid there, Nike. Maybe we should stick to the 8:24 instead. Regardless of the name, one thing that is for sure is that Laker fans are going to eat this pair up as one of Kobe’s final signature shoes that he will actually wear on the court.

The Nike KD 8 PRM Aunt Pearl Releases Tomorrow

By SoleInsider

Our first look just came at the beginning of the month, but the release of the latest “Aunt Pearl” colorway to the Kevin Durant signature line is now already upon us. KD’s late aunt who passed away after fighting cancer is honored once again, this time on the Nike KD 8 which goes fully floral, featuring a vibrant pink-based printed upper with purple roses and pearls throughout. With proceeds from each pair going to the Kay Yow cancer research fund, the “Aunt Pearl” KD 8 Premium release tomorrow, February 22nd at select Nike Basketball retailers like Wish ATL.

Nike Air Force 1 High 07 Coastal Blue

By SoleInsider

The Nike Air Force 1 High goes varsity with this new look featuring a sporty vintage feel. That aesthetic is achieved with a classic team colorway in blue leather with stitched white Swooshes, striped ankle straps, and a gum rubber outsole for the finishing touch. Part of a pack with matching looks in red and black that we previewed earlier this month, the “Coastal Blue” Air Force 1 High is arriving at select Nike Sportswear retailers like Rock City Kicks right now.

The Nike Mayfly Is Prepping For Its Return

By SoleInsider

The Nike Mayfly is back and it has to be one of the strangest creations that Nike has ever made. Created for long distance runners, this model was build to only last an average of 100km. Let me explain.

A while back, Nike created a shoe for long distance runner that is so lightweight and flexible that it usually doesn’t last past 100km before it starts “self-destructing” and falling apart. Making its initial debut back in 2004, the Mayfly will make its return this year debuting in three tonal offerings consisting of blue, black and red graphic uppers paired up with white accents and a white sole unit. Set to drop in the near future, are you interested in picking up pair? Let us know in the comments below.

Author’s Take

While the creative design process is “different”, I want to get the most bag for my buck. If this shoe is going to give out after 100km (62+ miles), I really don’t think it’s worth purchasing unless I’m running a important marathon or race or something of that nature.

The Nike Air Max Plus Chili Pepper Is Now Available Internationally

By SoleInsider

For the most part, the states (US) hardly ever gets to see releases of the Air Max Plus arrive at our local retailers. Nike usually makes the model a AU exclusive and this pair is no different. If you don’t mind taking the extra steps to acquire these sneakers, these could also be yours. Let’s take a look at the Nike Air Max Plus Chili Pepper.

The shoe comes in a red gradient fade accompanied by the patent leather hits found on the toe of the shoe. White branding appears on the side panels, tongue and heel of the shoe, wile the tonal Air Max equipped sole unit and laces tie up the monochromatic look together. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts down low.

Sneakers In 4K: Air Jordan 12 The Master

The Nike Air Max 2016 In Angelic All-White

By SoleInsider

The Nike Air Max 2016 has been one of the more interesting installments of the Swoosh’s flagship visible air-wielding model. Sure, the combination of an engineered mesh upper, dynamic flywire, and a 360-degree air max outsole has been the standard for the past three years, but here the placement of the Swoosh and minimalist design cues make this silhouette a subtle and complex must-have. Today we get a look at an angelic all-white rendition, one that features 3M hints on the exposed flywire support system and forefoot Swoosh to perfectly coincide with an icy outsole. What do you think of this Air Max 2016? Check out more below and we’ll keep you up to date on the latest NSW updates right here on Sneaker News.

Nike Basketball Presents A Eulogy To Kobe Bryants 20-Year Career

By SoleInsider

As each week goes by, we inch closer and closer to the end of Kobe Bryant’s magnificent career that spans two decades with one team. The argument regarding where Kobe stands among the all-time greats will be a never-ending one, so it’s better to enjoy the occasion rather than waste time analyzing a career that has produced endless accolades and five NBA championships. This upcoming purple/gold colorway of the Kobe 11 is indeed a “Eulogy” to Kobe’s career – one that will be remembered as long as the game of basketball goes on. Get your hands on the Nike Kobe 11 “Eulogy” on February 27th at select Nike Basketball retailers worldwide.